Interesting, the last 200 years is modern times for golf...that might be an opinion very few hold
I know folks get jacked up for cookie brown golf, but lets be clear, its not sustainable and if this is the case, are conditions perfect? I would argue that we don't want divots disintegrating and billowing dust except in the fairly rare cases when nature demands it for short periods of time, but these conditions can't go too long or courses
would die if they get a decent amount of traffic. That much is clear because greens continue to be watered (and cut less) during these times even if there is no fairway irrigation. Links is the prime example of seasonal golf, so yes, the seasons should have a major impact on course presentation. The goal shouldn't be to present the course the same each day. However, courses still need to be sustained and all courses eventually need water. My idea of perfect conditions are those which push a bit against nature, but remain comfortably safe sor sustainabilty and affordability. This is when supers and green comms can really cooperate so the best can be had from the course.
Ciao